Remedies For Dark Spots On The Skin

Dark spots are areas of discolored skin that are hyperpigmented. They occur because of excessive melanin production at particular areas on skin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin color. According to "Dr. Denese's Secrets for Ageless Skin: Younger Skin in 8 Weeks," dark spots may be caused by any of the following: excessive sunlight exposure (age spots and freckles); melasma; and previous skin inflammation from conditions such as acne. There are treatments and products that can reduce or eliminate dark spots on skin.

Creams

According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription bleaching creams can be used alone or in combination with Tretinoin and a mild steroid to fade age spots gradually. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that this combination often helps lighten dark spots without irritating the skin.

Chemical Peels

Superficial and medium-depth chemical peels are used to reduce skin discoloration, such as age spots, or dull skin texture. During this procedure, a dermatologist applies an acid to the problem areas on skin and leaves it on for some time before removing it. The acid causes the top layer of skin to slough or peel off. This allows new skin to develop in place of the old, discolored skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin might look sunburned for several days. With superficial peels, several treatments are needed to see results.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a procedure that involves the use of a freezing agent, such as liquid nitrogen. The freezing agent is applied to the age spot to destroy the extra melanin in it. The agent freezes the surface of the skin and causes peeling. As the skin heals, the age spot slowly fades away. Potential side effects of cryosurgery are blistering, headache, skin discoloration and scarring (rare). Age spots can often be treated in a single session.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a facial skin rejuvenation technique that is used for treating skin conditions such as general skin discoloration, sun spots and skin blotchiness. Laser therapy directs an intense beam of light energy, or a laser, at the area of skin to be treated. This process heats up skin and causes its outer layer to peel. Several sessions are needed to see results. Skin may blister and form scabs after this procedure. Scabs that are picked can cause scarring.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to remove the top layer of skin to treat discoloration and some other skin conditions. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, spots of discolored skin tend to fade with a series of microdermabrasion sessions. This treatment is noninvasive and involves practically no recovery time.